The Listening Forums provide a chance for residents and park service users to speak face-to-face with Park Authority Director John Dargle, Jr. on the park topics of their choice. If you were unable to attend the Listening Forum in your area, you may provide comment via our online form. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM - JULY 2009
Cindy Messenger chaired the meeting in John Dargle's absence. The staff in attendance included: Laura Marquart, manager of South Run RECenter, Charlie Reagle, manager Burke Lake Park, Hidden Pond Nature Center Manager Jim Pomeroy and representatives of the Resource Management Division (RMD), Park Operations, Park Services, Planning and Development (P&D) and the Public Information Office.
Several Fairfax County Park enthusiasts from the general Springfield area came mostly to praise the parks and give some constructive criticism. At this particular time the master plan for Stratton Woods, a park and community in Hunter Mill District, was in the process of being amended. A member of that community used the Listening Forum to express her concerns. People came with photos to support their suggestions for improvements on trails as well as other amenities such as the road into the RECenter. In all cases, safety was the major concern.
It was noted that record crowds use every aspect of South Run from the fields to the exercise rooms, classrooms and pools clearly demonstrating the popularity and appreciation for the RECenter.
ISSUE: Traffic concerns near the RECenter
- Several regular RECenter users expressed their concerns with the narrow approach road.
- The narrow road is compromised by cars parking on the side or simply the numbers of vehicles.
- Reports of car accidents at the corner.
- In addition to parking, the cross walk was mentioned.
- Dave Bowden, director of P& D, reported that money left over from the South Run expansion was aside to improve parking and widening the road.
ISSUE: South Run Staff
- Frequent users complimented the facility and service providers
- They expect the same level of service from all employees
- Life for many in community would not be as rich without South Run RECenter.
- Offered praise for the new fitness center as well as the manager
ISSUE: Facility
- Require cleaner locker rooms and surfaces and floor.
- Clean more often during camp season when more kids are using facility.
- Excessive heat in exercise area. The issue of leaving doors open could be the cause. The temperature is set at 68 degrees and gets down to 65.
- Request to preserve racquetball was made. This has been a running issue with users at this site
ISSUE: Friends of Hidden Pond regarding budget cutbacks
- Susan Sousa, president of the Friends of Hidden Pond Nature Center noted she is representing 100 people who greatly appreciate Hidden Pond Nature Center
- The education offered and message presented by staff for stewardship is excellent
- The community's concern about budget cutbacks and effect on Hidden Pond's ability to serve the community was discussed
- A 40% reduction was too much. She claimed there is concern that headquarters' staff was increasing while resource staff decreasing and being asked to do much.
- Deputy Director addressed challenges of General Fund reduction.
ISSUE: Further need to help constituents understand the budget
- Constituents expressed concern about budget cuts they heard about and didn't understand.
- The Park Authority's commitment to budget education was reiterated by staff who encouraged residents to ask questions and attend approaching budget hearings.
- Assurances were given that the Park Authority remains committed to do everything that supports the mission
- Deputy Director cautioned about more reductions and tough times ahead.
- Deputy Messinger reiterated that there was great appreciation for the contributions that Friends group make in supporting sites. This includes funding for interns as well as other personnel and items supported by Friends.
ISSUE: Trails
- Trails along certain areas, especially South Run Stream Valley were in need of repair. The steps need to be fixed. Jenny Pate had promised to get this done. Rainbow Bridge is a problem. It was proffered in the '70's when the development was built. FCPA has not done anything to improve it. Photos taken in 2000 documented the issue, and the bridge is much worse now. There is a finger lake that has bee totally forgotten.
- Great appreciation expressed for the work done on the Cross County Trails.
- Mention of the Laurel Hill trail where it meets Lorton Road and the RR tracks as dangerous. Staff reported that a solution is planned for that crossing when road is redone.
- Staff spoke to the fact that the trail strategy plan was completed and available on our website.
- Again trail users complimented FCPA on the wonders of connecting runners, bikers, walkers throughout the entire county.
ISSUE: Stratton Woods
- The Master Plan amendment process was discussed in reference to Stratton Woods. The criticism suggested that citizens are left out. More data is needed to satisfy constituents. Differences pointed out between Stratton Woods and South Run. Comparisons between Stratton Woods and Lewinsville neighborhood and the lighting used for their park were deemed to be worthless.
- Staff noted the effectiveness of neighborhood involvement as seen in planning Lewinsville Park.
- Staff explained proffers to correct misunderstanding of their use.
- Staff explained field allocation and the relationship between the Athletic Council and Park Authority Board.
ISSUE: Miscellaneous
- There was discussion about the recent editorial in the South County newspaper about the Sportsplex. Comment was offered on the solid waste landfill in relation to Sportsplex and clearly this constituent does not want any project to move forward that might extend or expand the life of the landfill. There was criticism and a call for censure of the staff members on the team that examined merits of PPEA. No comment was offered from staff on the matter.
- A boy scout and his mother attended to receive a badge. She was most complimentary about the Listening Forum and told of her appreciation of our Park and Recreation.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROVIDENCE DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: MAY 2009
Fairfax County Park Authority Director, John Dargle, Jr., convened a Listening Forum in Providence District at Oak Marr RECenter on May 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. Citizens and long time park friends were in attendance. Staff representing FCPA divisions attended.
ISSUE: Non-emergency crime
- Vandalism around garden plot areas was discussed. The Town of Vienna has been dealing with this.
- Friends groups have put up signs with the non-emergency police number.
- Staff will meet with police chief if necessary. Keep FCPA informed.
ISSUE: Oakton Schoolhouse
- Compliments on the schoolhouse. A concern about a turn into property. Suggestion to lobby VDOT in terms of entrance road issues.
ISSUE: Equestrian interests
- Laurel Hill horse facility has parking problems in the lot
- The first ring needs attention
- There are no riding facilities on county parkland.
- There are business opportunities for county to allow private venders to give lessons on county land.
- There are no riding lessons or camps.
- Members of Fairfax for Horses are working with park staff on opportunities.
ISSUE: Cross County Trail
- Many happy trail users.
- Would like to see more natural surface trails.
- Applaud the partnership with the county and volunteers.
ISSUE: Laurel Hill Growth
- Fastest growing area in county
- Challenges for community with BRAC will be important and impact our parks and facilities
- Improving the network of trails in Laurel Hill
ISSUE: Jeb Stuart Park
- In the Bailey's Crossroads area
- General discussion about Master Plan amendment in relation to the lights
- Fenced off for soft ball field; criticism of the need with reference to Title IX
- Call to rescue the forest surrounding the field and specifically to rid the area of invasive plants.
ISSUE: Land Acquisition
- A former Park Authority Board Member and park enthusiast, Fred Crabtree, advocated for aggressive land acquisition.
- History of land acquisition was touched upon from various sources such as proffers.
- The development of Tyson's was discussed. The importance of the concept of urban parks was debated.
The Director summarized the evening's discussion. He asked what FCPA could do?
Asked the participants to help the Park Authority by advocating for parks.
Stressed the need to reposition ourselves to a higher place in the county's quality of life.
We will be a part of the critical needs.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES MASON DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: APRIL 2009
A small group of park enthusiasts, customers and members of Friends organizations from around the county gathered at Green Spring Gardens to discuss issues of concern to them with the director and Mason District representative, Frank Vajda. Representatives from Resource Management Division, Park Services, Park Operations and the Public Information Office attended as well as managers of park facilities in Mason District.
This meeting was held at the height of the budget discussions; therefore, the cuts the Parks had to take; suggestions for raising money, and the budget in general were the overwhelming issues of interest that evening.
ISSUE: Restoration of FY 2010 funds
- Of original required 15% General Fund reductions, $825,840 was restored to Park Authority budget by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, April 27, 2009
- Restoration of 11 positions at lakefront parks was included in restoration of funding
- General criticism that the majority of cuts were coming from Resource Management Division (RMD) sites
- Concerns about using donations for staff retention
ISSUE: Discussion about restoration of funding and fees
- Revisit gate fees
- Questions about the use funds and revenue at RMD sites
- Importance of the education which takes place at the RMD sites.
- How to increase donations for specific purposes
- Could Friends groups earmark subsidizing certain salaries?
It was determined later that funding for positions by Friends group was allowable. For more information contact the appropriate site manager.
ISSUE: Field positions vs. headquarter positions
- Discussion of how and why decisions were made to cut positions
- Explanation of positions that were cut.
Director Dargle pointed out that it wasn't a lack of appreciation for or a perceived lack of importance of the RMD staff. The cuts were mandated in the General Fund and therefore tended to hit that division hardest. However, original reductions and reductions taken since have resulted in staff cutbacks across the board and the absorption of positions into the revenue fund when possible. Each and every division in the Park Authority has been impacted by cuts. Currently, an assessment is underway to determine if some cuts are simply too deep and need to be revisited.
ISSUE: General Fund and Revenue Fund
- The importance of educating the public and especially members of advocacy groups such as Friends groups on the sources of funds was made clear.
- Bring the budget process for the parks to the public through presentations to Friends Groups, citizen associations, councils and the federation
- Encourage proactive involvement in budget process
The discussion continued and the Director took the opportunity to go into funding specifics:
- Explanation of General Fund and Revenue Fund
- Explanation of 170 or Revenue Fund
- Bond usage and capital project funding
- Discussion of the evolution of the old conservation and education divisions to RMD
- The need to move RMD towards becoming revenue producing division.
Other discussion ensued with these suggestions and requests:
- Constituents encouraged the Park Authority to lobby the Board of Supervisors much as Fire and Rescue and Fairfax County Public Schools do. Similarly, Director Dargle encouraged constituents to speak to their elected officials about funding priorities.
- Advocating for the Cold War Museum
- Advocating for the Sportsplex
- Add a tax specifically for the parks
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